Considering the fact that the team hasn’t made the playoffs since Bill Clinton was in the oval office, why the sudden burst of Bills pride? It is likely a combination of factors, including new, long-term ownership in the Pegulas; a new, nationally recognizable coach in Rex Ryan, exciting new players like LeSean McCoy and Percy Harvin, and a 9-7 finish in 2014 that represents the team’s best record in a decade (sad but true). The additional national relevance and exposure (two scheduled prime time games in one season!) promises to only increase the excitement as the season continues.

On top of the exciting day-to-day news surrounding the team, the players and coaches seem to be directly connecting with Western New York more than any time since the Super Bowl era.

Here’s a look at some of the Bills’ recent community appearances and involvement that have helped generate more positive headlines for the franchise in WNY and beyond:

There are countless photos and videos of the 2014 November storm – but perhaps none more memorable than the pictures of Mario Williams driving his plow over to help dig out Jim Kelly. Meanwhile the current players had to get to the airport for their relocated “home” game in Detroit somehow – and hitched a ride on snowmobiles!

Source: Instagram

Source: USA Today

PinkTober at the Rainbow Bridge – the Bills partner with ECMC to light the Rainbow Bridge pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the entire NFL recognizes the month, the Bills take it to the next level by lighting up the cross-border bridge. Not many teams can say they do that!

For the past year, the Bills have partnered with Independent Health in the Health and Fitness Challenge. This year, a lucky participant is heading to London to watch the Bills play the Jaguars in October. Between this event and numerous other fitness-related events such as yoga at the stadium and various runs, the Bills are being proactive in promoting healthy lifestyles in Western New York. The most recent Health and Wellness Challenge from the spring recruited 4,300 new participants to the program.